Outside Edge

After the events of Standup Guy, I wrote off Adrian as a not-great boyfriend, who ended up being an awful ex. He was mean, resentful, and jealous, and made some really bad mistakes. That was it for him - no more chances from me, the author of his fate. I figured for someone like him, there's no redemption, no forgiveness.

But then, an idea formed in my head. A story about redemption, forgiveness...and, yes, second chances. Does someone like Adrian deserve a second chance? No way. Does someone like Adrian who detests the mistakes he's made deserve a second chance? Absolutely.

After his breakup with Elli, Adrian takes a downwards turn and trying to drown his sorrows with alcohol doesn't help. In fact, all it gives him is two DUIs, which in turn rids him of his scholarship and his spot on his hockey team.

When he gets sent to live with his Pops way up north in Christmastown, he takes his resentment to the next level. Nothing could ever make him want to change. Except maybe Brooke and the kids she's training.

Though she was once on track for a top competitive figure skating position, Brooke's dream has become derailed. Now she's being forced to help a bunch of kids put on a Christmas pageant. And even worse - she has to teach an errant hockey player how to ice dance.

Finding common ground between them isn't nearly as difficult as a triple axel. But can the rink also help them to repair the damage of their past mistakes? Will Adrian and Brooke learn to find strength in each other's arms?

What I loved about writing this book: first of all, I'm a sucker for a good redemption story. And this one had a double dose of it! Secondly, yes, Adrian did some bad things. I recognize this, and so does Adrian. Although it takes him a while to get around to it, he does own up to his mistakes. Also, I made him fall a lot while he learns to ice dance, so there's that.

I also loved introducing new character Brooke and her heart-breaking story to the series. Brooke's kindness, patience, and reluctant persistence is the antidote to Adrian's waywardness. When they see what they can accomplish when they let go of their pasts and get along, magical things happen.

Outside Edge is now available on Amazon in ebook, paperback, and on KU!